Watermarking

Great info from today's SF Chronicle newspaper...

Q: I'm starting a personal Web site that will include photographs I've taken through the years. I'd like to make it so viewers can't copy or save the photos. I've visited sites where a pop-up will appear saying something like "You are not allowed to copy this" when you right-click and attempt to save an image. How can I enable this feature for my page?

A: You can prevent right-clicking of images by adding a simple piece of code to your Web site, but it's not a foolproof solution. A clever user might be able to extract a photo from a browser's cache or use screen-capture software to save it. Also, the right-click trick may not work if the user has disabled JavaScript in the browser.

A better option would be to watermark your photos with your name, a warning about unauthorized use, or a copyright notice. Watermarks can be placed so they don't interfere with viewing photos, but might dissuade Web site visitors from copying them.

Programs including Photoshop Elements and Paint Shop Pro let you watermark groups of photos. Or, you could use a software program designed for the task, such as Picture-shark (free at picture-shark.com) or Visual Watermark ($34.95 at visualwatermark.com).

By the way, you don't have to register or pay in order to copyright a photo you've taken. Just add a notice that includes the copyright symbol (press the "c" key while holding down the Alt and Ctrl keys).

Very weird link

Something odd, puzzling, has happened, and I wonder if anyone could throw any light on it. I have discovered a link to my blog, apparently in Australia, which is a single page inviting people to an Easter barbecue, giving an address which looks real, a telephone number. At the bottom is a list of possible guests, all of which are hyperlinks, one of which says Joanna, and links to my blog.

I do not have any known connection with anything on this page ... I am puzzled as to what it's about (it's not like I blog about barbecuing, or anything). Can anyone throw any light on it? the domain name is odium ...

This Post was written by Joanna from Joanna's Food

What do you do if your domain name has been registered?

Gosh I'm really smacking myself in the head about this. I've been beating around the bush about registering a domain name (www.nookandpantry .com) and it didn't seem like a very popular name at all so I just decided to wait. I finally decide to register it and I was shocked that it's been registered, only two days ago!

So I have 2 questions:

1. What do you do if the domain name you want is taken. It seems like www. blogname.com is the most logical. Do I have any other options?

2. I'm also very newbie about this whole process but how do you go about buying/registering a domain in the first place. I looked at some older topics about this and it seems like I have a few options:
000domains.com, GoDaddy, Domain Direct, or Yahoo

Any recommendations?

This Post was written by Amy from nook & pantry

What to do with comments that link to upsetting blogs?

I just received a comment from a blogger that has a site that I find offensive -- mostly because of its hateful language toward a certain group of people. I deleted it but I sort of wonder if that will tick him off and make matters worse.

What do others do in this case? Delete it? Let it go?

Thanks...


This Post was written by Tracy from Rah Cha Chow

So What's Up With the Comment Spammers?

I've looked around for info but was just curious if anyone knew more than what I've been able to figure out. Less than 5 minutes after I create a new post on my blog, I get a comment from __?__ (most recently it was "Tygogal"), along with the text "Go here or here" with the "here" being a link. The very first time it happened, not knowing any better, I clicked on the link and was taken to a sex-peddling site. I then immediately went back to my blog settings to enable comment moderation, and have been regularly rejecting all the comments like that. As I said, I notice that I get one of those comments within 5 minutes of a new post. I take it that now they (spammers) have a program that looks for new posts and immediately sends the comment?

Are there people within Blogger who can eliminate these fake blogs and bloggers or is it just another thing we have to adjust to?


This Post was written by Cyndi from Cookin' With Cyndi

Anyone else heading to the Home and Housewares in Chicago?

I'm heading off to the Home and Housewares Show in Chicago on Saturday. I met a few other bloggers and food writers there last year and I'm hoping to meet more of you this year.

We're hosting a very informal get together in Chicago on Saturday night. Would be great if you could make it ....


This Post was written by Chris from Apartment Therapy's TheKitchn.com.

Anyone else heading to the Home and Housewares in Chicago?

I'm heading off to the Home and Housewares Show in Chicago on Saturday. I met a few other bloggers and food writers there last year and I'm hoping to meet more of you this year.

We're hosting a very informal get together in Chicago on Saturday night. Would be great if you could make it ....


This Post was written by Chris from Apartment Therapy's TheKitchn.com.

Is Jeena trying your patience?

She is certainly trying mine.
If you know who I mean, you'll know what I mean.

There is no need to visit her site and increase her traffic because...

"Due to the "high increase" of visitors to Jeena's forum we are unable to connect you to the forum- sorry. We are upgrading the system, Please be patient."

I am sure the 'increased visitors' are actually caused by annoyed bloggers heading over the to tell her to bog off and stop leaving irrelevant spam comments on their own blogs.

But I am wondering - do you think "Jeena" is for real, or do you think she is some fictional character made up by some person or people trying to build some site with some ulterior motive?

The photo is very friendly and welcoming - but maybe it's all fiction?

Fiction or not - I am certainly not going to all for Jeena's charms.

How about you?

Kitchen scale recommendations?

Hi all,

I am thinking about buying a kitchen scale and wondered if y'all have any recommendations on types of scales or brands?



Thanks so much!

-Eve from GardenofEating

Foodbuzz vs Blogher advertising

I've been trying to decide which to take on for awhile and read the information about Foodbuzz that folks have posted on the site, but I can't decide whether I should feature Foodbuzz or Blogher advertising.

If people could tell me about their experiences with each, and if you've tried both, which you prefer and why, that would be really helpful!

Thanks in advance, guys :)


This Post was written by MYNAME from BLOGNAME

Casting: Compete to Win a Restaurant

Hi all! Just a note: I have no relationship with this production company, nor am I trying out for this show...I just wanted to share!


NEW NBC RESTAURANT COMPETITION SHOW IS NOW CASTING

GRANADA AMERICA, the producers that brought you Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares are seeking two-person teams, with pre-existing relationships, who have always dreamed of opening their own restaurant

Have you and your spouse, friend, family member, business associate or colleague dreamed of opening your own restaurant? Is one of you a whiz in the kitchen while the other is a front of the house superstar? Do you have what it takes to open and run a successful restaurant? Has financing always been a problem?

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE YOUR DREAM COME TRUE.Casting events will take place in the following cities:

New York City:
Spotlight Live
1604 Broadway @ 49th Street, New York, NY 10019
Saturday, March 8th 2008, 10am - 4pm
For more information on this event e-mail: NBCteamsNYC@yahoo.com

Los Angeles:
Simon LA at Sofitel LA
8555 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Saturday, March 8th 2008, 10am - 4pm
For more information on this event e-mail: NBCteamsLA@yahoo.com

Atlanta, GA :
W Hotel Perimeter Atlanta
111 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, GA 30346
Sunday, March 16th 2008, 10am - 4pm
For more information on this casting event e-mail: NBCteamsAtlanta@yahoo.com

Houston, TX:
Alden-Houston
1117 Prairie St. at San Jacinto, Houston, TX 77002
Sunday, March 16th, 2008, 10am- 4pm
For more information on this casting event e-mail: NBCteamsHouston@yahoo.com

Washington DC:
Sofitel LaFayette Square Washington DC
806 15th Street NW, Washington DC, 20005 Washington
Saturday, March 22nd 2008, 10am-4pm
For more information on this casting event e-mail: NBCteamsDC@yahoo.com

Chicago:
Hard Rock Hotel Chicago - Hamer Room - 4th Floor
230 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Saturday, March 22nd 2008, 10am-4pm
For more information on this casting event e-mail: NBCteamsChicago@yahoo.com

WE ARE SEEKING PEOPLE WHO ARE:
Over 21 years of age; U.S. Citizens or Permanent U.S. Residents
2-person teams with pre-existing relationships: couples, friends, family, co-workers, chef teams, retired couples, college grads, weekend gourmets, old and young.

Must be outgoing, creative, love the restaurant business and want to open and run your own restaurant!

APPLICANTS SHOULD COME TO THE OPEN CALL AS A TEAM WITH COMPLETED APPLICATIONSGO TO THE NOW CASTING SECTION AT NBC.COM FOR CASTING EVENT UPDATES AND APPLICATION INFORMATIONFor additional information call: (800) 419-3407

This Post was written by Rachael from Fresh Approach Cooking

Inspiration: Prop Room

Did you all catch Martha Stewart's post on her prop room?

Don't know about you but my kitchen has been taken over more and more by stacks of individual pieces of china plates, ceramic bowls, and sterling serving spoons. But this room of MS, sigh.

By Elise from Simply Recipes

Dustdiary

Hello all...

Just thought I'd post a note/warning here. Found out yesterday that dustdiary.com is "hosting" a blog that's lifted a number of my posts. I've written to the admin, but nothing (yet). Anyway, I was looking into them and found this post by Gary M'Gath, who too has had content lifted.

sigh...

This Post was written by jasmine from Confessions of a Cardamom Addict

Really Good Comment Spam Article

There have been lots of posts here about comment spam and fighting it. Although this article is mostly for Wordpress blogs, the underlying information is still very valuable. Find out more at:
http://ocaoimh.ie/2008/02/27/how-to-successfully-spam-blogs-and-how-to-fight-back/



This Post was written by Owen from Tomatilla!

Cooking Courses in N.Y.C.

Good morning, everyone!

A buddy of mine is looking to expand his culinary skills this spring and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for cooking classes/schools in Manhattan. I imagine he's looking for just the best general cooking course out there.

The Institute of Culinary Education vs. The French Culinary Institute?

Does the New School have courses as well?

Any guidance anyone has to offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Mona of Mona's Apple

report shows slowing ad clicks

Google stock falls after report shows slowing ad clicks. Although this news report is primarily about googles own search engine ads, i am wondering whether there will be a a knock on effect for bloggers' ad revenues from google adsense?


This Post was written by sam from BLOGNAME

Reporting Content Theft

So, if anyone is stealing your content...here is what Blogger says to do...sorry if this has been covered before!

Watch out Collection of Cooking Recipes, here I come!

*******

Hello,

It is our policy to respond to notices of alleged infringement that comply
with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (the text of which can be found
at the U.S. Copyright Office website: http://lcWeb.loc.gov/copyright/ )
and other applicable intellectual property laws, which may include
removing or disabling access to material claimed to be the subject of
infringing activity.

To file a notice of infringement with us, you must provide a written
communication (by fax or regular mail, not by email) that sets forth the
items specified below. Please note that pursuant to that Act, you may be
liable to the alleged infringer for damages (including costs and
attorneys' fees) if you materially misrepresent that you own an item when
you in fact do not. Indeed, in a recent case (please see
http://www.onlinepolicy.org/action/legpolicy/opg_v_diebold/ for more
information), a company that sent an infringement notification seeking
removal of online materials that were protected by the fair use doctrine
was ordered to pay such costs and attorneys fees. The company agreed to
pay over $100,000. Accordingly, if you are not sure whether material
available online infringes your copyright, we suggest that you first
contact an attorney.

To expedite our ability to process your request, please use the following
format (including section numbers):

1. Identify in sufficient detail the copyrighted work that you believe has
been infringed upon. This must include identification of specific posts,
as opposed to entire sites. Posts must be referenced by either the dates
in which they appear or the permalink of the post. For example,
http://example.blogspot.com/archives/2003_01_21_example_archive.html#2104575.

2. Identify the material that you claim is infringing upon the copyrighted
work listed in item #1 above.

YOU MUST IDENTIFY EACH POST BY PERMALINK OR DATE THAT ALLEGEDLY CONTAINS
INFRINGING MATERIAL. The permalink for a post is usually found by clicking
on the timestamp of the post.

3. Provide information reasonably sufficient to permit Blogger to contact
you (email address is preferred).

4. Include the following statement: "I have a good faith belief that use
of the copyrighted materials described above on the allegedly infringing
web pages is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the
law."

5. Include the following statement: "I swear, under penalty of perjury,
that the information in the notification is accurate and that I am the
copyright owner or am authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an
exclusive right that is allegedly infringed."

6. Sign the paper.

7. Send the written communication to the following address:

Google, Inc.
Attn: Blogger Legal Support, DMCA complaints
1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy
Mountain View, CA 94043

OR Fax to:

(650) 618-2680, Attn: Blogger Legal Support, DMCA complaints

Sincerely,
The Blogger Team

TV Show audition

I thought I would post this here...I know you all can cook, but then again...

Single and can’t cook a meal for one? Frustrated because you don’t know how to pack a nutritious lunchbox for your kids?

Forgo paying for culinary school and learn the basics in two weeks with Bobby Flay’s “Real Food Cooking School.”

Impress us with your wit and your lack of food knowledge… Bobby Flay is ready to school you as only an Iron Chef can! You’ll learn the basics of grilling, sautéing, knife skills, how to make simple, nutritious meals from real foods…and so much more!

If you’re feisty and eager to step up your cooking skills: make us a 3-minute VHS tape or DVD telling us your worst cooking story, the most horrible meal you ever cooked, and why you should be a part of Bobby Flay’s “Real Food Cooking School.”

Worried? Don’t be – you’ll be having too much fun! Remember…have a family member, best friend or spouse make an appearance on your tape – a little testimonial, “Oh my god, she regularly burns the bottom of the sauce pan!” goes a long way.

All applicants should live in the United States, be over the age of 18, and be available April 15-30th for filming in New York City.

Please mail tapes by March 22nd to:
ATT: Real Food Cooking School
110 Leroy Street
New York, NY 10014

Must truly be a horrible cook and have the storys to prove it
Salary:2 Week free culinary training

realfoodcookingschool@gmail.com

"Smarter" Spammers Using http in Comment Name

I've noticed recently a large amount of spam coming from "smarter" spammers - they've now taken to doing two things:

- Using a URL as the Commenter's name (http://ww.sitename.com and re-inserting it into the website field)
- Leaving an "innocent" comment like "Great site." with no URLs so the spam isn't triggered

This type of comment was getting published directly onto my blog (Wordpress) since I do not have moderation on all comments. I have routed their efforts by turning on moderation anytime "http" is in the comment content, name, etc. This of course also will moderate a real comment with a link in it, but it's a temporary solution.

Hopefully Akismet will smarten up soon, but I imagine other blogs will have this same problem?

This Post was written by Sara from Ms. Adventures in Italy

Change your default text to defeat spammers

I've noticed lately (mostly since my sockpuppeting incident) that I've been getting more "light spam". These are comments that seem to be on topic and non-promotional, but the links they leave are pure spam sites (poker, kitchen equipment, payday loans).

These are not robots, these are real people.

Here's what they do:

They come from IP address in Australia, Romania and the Czech Republic.

They google a common word like "payday" or "organic" plus "remember my personal information" which most of us have on our comment forms on our blogs.

Some other phrases are associated with CAPTCHA forms "enter the text in the box below" or whatever it says automatically as well as "follow up comments."

So, just take this as a warning to change this default text to something a little more personalized, perhaps unique.

This Post was written by Cybele from Candy Blog